Internet set to bring down society

Daily Mail gets all reactionary about technology -- must have been a quiet news day

Opinion The Daily Mail yesterday published a full-page story about the corrupting influence of the Net under the headline 'SUMMER OF DISCONTENT'. In an inflammatory piece that will only serve to fuel the prejudice of its readers, the Mail alleged that the Internet is spreading anarchy among the nation's mild-mannered middle classes. "A demo everyday as children of the middle class spread anarchy via the Internet," it cried in alarm. "The activists who use the hi-tech tools of the Internet and mobile phones are determined to create a summer of discontent," it continued. What utter tosh. Rather than shooting the messenger, the Mail has decided to shoot the horse that carried the bearer of the news. The fact the information is published on the Net is hardly a reason for right-minded folk to turn into placard-waving anarchists. People who want to take to the streets will rant and rave and demonstrate regardless of whether the information is published on the Net or in some hastily cobbled-together paper pamphlet. Such arguments only find favour among people who wish to censor knowledge and free thinking. Some come on you guys at the Mail, is this the best you can do? ®